TorontoBabel: Toronto's International Language Exchange Meetup

We try to provide a fun, friendly, relaxed group where you can practice speaking a new language and meet people from all over the world!

Our gathering takes place in a bar environment, so there is usually music playing and we usually have about 100 people so it will be busy and bustling. With so many people speaking it can sometimes be a bit loud, but this is your chance to practice your language skills in a real-world context with real people!

HOW IT WORKS

The idea of the group is that you give help to the group (helping those who are learning your native language) and you get help from the group (you are helped by others who speak the language you want to practice). This way everyone benefits!

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Take advantage of it with TorontoBabel! Many groups focus on one language, but this group provides an opportunity to practice many languages. At a regular TorontoBabel gathering we have native speakers of French, Spanish, English, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, German, Polish, Italian, Cantonese, Turkish, Mandarin, Russian, Hindi, Arabic, Farsi and many other languages. Don't be shy! Learners of all levels, from beginner to native fluency are welcome!

TorontoBabel gatherings take place in a bar with music in the background and plenty of pool tables (to play pool it's $8 per hour, paid to the bar). Usually there is about 100 people, so it does get a bit loud with people from all over the world chatting away until late in the evening. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING AN ORIGINAL PHOTO ID (NOT A PHOTOCOPY) SHOWING YOUR AGE. IT COULD BE A PASSPORT, A DRIVER'S LICENSE, CANADIAN HEALTH CARD, ETC. IF YOU DON'T BRING ID YOU MIGHT NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE BAR. THE MINIMUM DRINKING AGE IN ONTARIO IS 19.

You'll get to meet people from all over the world and improve your language skills at the same time! The objective is to practice your language skills in real life with native speakers and have fun while doing it.

HOW IT WORKS

TorontoBabel is a language exchange group. You can help people learn your native language and other members help you learn their native language. If it's your first time attending a TorontoBabel event, please introduce yourself to the organizer, Eduardo. He will direct you to native speakers of the language you are interested in. The organizers will also introduce to people who want to learn your language. We usually have groups of people practicing French, Spanish, Korean, etc. and will show you where they are. If you are comfortable finding native speakers of your favourite language yourself, that's fine too! Please remember to talk to us first, so we know who's who.

IMPORTANT

The group meets every Wednesday: same place, same time.

Wednesday gatherings start at 7 p.m. and the group is usually there until at least 11 p.m., you can arrive and leave whenever you like.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO TIP YOUR BARTENDER (leave about $1 extra per drink that you buy)

How to Babel:

1. Be open-minded! We are a very diverse group. You'll meet people from all over the world. Enjoy the chance to have the international experience in Toronto!

2. Tip your bartender! Although it's common not to tip in many cultures, it is very much a part of Canadian culture, so remember to leave a tip for your bartender, even if you buy a drink directly from the bar.

3. Ask the organizer! If you have any questions, concerns, problems or ideas, please talk to the organizer about it!

QUESTIONS?

If you have any comments, questions, problems, concerns or ideas, just talk to the organizer about it. We will do our best to make sure you have a positive experience! Everyone is welcome!

Remember, this group is a hobby for us; we run it just for fun, we love it and we hope you will love it too!

Imagine having a community behind you

I decided to start Reno Motorcycle Riders Group because I wanted to be part of a group of people who enjoyed my passion... I was excited and nervous. Our group has grown by leaps and bounds. I never thought it would be this big.